Boondock Inn/Mosquito Semi-Retired Iron Classic 2025

[skiroule]

I figured that since this thread does involve sledding and an area of the U.P. many of you are familiar with, I’m hoping it is of interest. I had a little trouble figuring how to break it up but decided to split it into three posts, one for each day of the event. I apologize in advance for the length but I think it’s almost the end of the vintage news from me for the season so you’ll have all summer to recover.



If you didn’t see this on the event calendar, this event just wrapped up yesterday.

The first day was declared to be the “Iron Butt Ride,” a ride of slightly under 50 miles with no business establishment stops until we got back to the Boondock Inn starting point. About 50 sleds made this run with most being vintage sleds and a mix of other later model sleds. In the end, all sleds made it back home under their own power.



There is still an abundance of snow in the area, which made for some pristine, white riding and surroundings

 

[skiroule]

Day 2:
The ride planned for the second day was roughly the same distance as the first day but included a lunch stop at a local establishment before making the return trip. The sled count increased to over 60 for this ride and I’m told would have been more if it hadn’t started in the rain.



All sleds made it to the lunch stop in routine fashion except one – me. With the warm temps I had been struggling to get the carbs adjusted. I thought I had it right but within a mile of starting on Friday, it was bogging badly. I pulled over and waved everyone else by.

After finally fixing the issue, I took off to rejoin the group but hurrying to catch up, I missed the turn onto the trail I was supposed to take. After some time, I realized I must be on the wrong trail but for a variety of reasons I ended up taking a long circular route to get to the lunch stop, adding about 40 miles to the ride and arriving about 2 hours late.

In my defense, the section of the trail I missed (109) is not on the paper version of the MI trail map I bought in Mass City. Even so, it is signed and we were briefed on the route. I love this shot of Paul (the trail boss) listening to my explanation of why I could not seem to follow even the most basic instructions.

I cannot decide if the look on his face is one of amusement or amazement.



The ride back was less eventful, during which a light snow began to fall and this shot at one of the rest stops makes it easy to understand why people are so fond of the beauty of this area.

 

[skiroule]

Day 3:
Snow fell the night before, temps cooled and the sun came out on the day of the show at the Mosquito Inn and made for a great show. The show was open to both vintage and classic sled categories. This includes the Indy wedge sleds, which were well represented at the show and on the rides the previous days.



These sleds have become extremely popular and looking at these two beauties it’s easy to see why.



In fact, this 650 won the “Best of Show” title and it was well deserved. The detail on this sled is insane. It’s literally perfect. It belongs to a good friend from WI and I had him walk through his photo gallery of the project, start to finish. It was crazy the amount of work he did to make it exactly what he wanted.



This sled won the “Rat Rod” award going away. The kid that rides it was riding it when I first met him 12 years ago. It just won’t give up. Needless to say, he wears earplugs when he rides it.



This little guy won the “Best Original” award. Never heard of a “Snow Flake.” The transverse leaf suspension was cool. It had a straight pipe made out of flex tubing (from the factory) and it was loud.



In case you’re wondering, my sleds didn’t pick up any awards but I answered a lot of questions about the sleds and got a lot of positive feedback, which was really cool.

I want to acknowledge the time and effort Paul from the Boondock Inn/Mosquito Inn put into organizing, hosting, and leading this event and also for his role in getting the Mosquito back up and running. I was there for several hours on Saturday and it was constantly packed wall to wall. It was great to see. The staff was working hard, the drinks were cold, and the food was good. The Mosquito burger with Jalapenos and Bug Sauce is highly recommended.

While it’s “before lunch” miles for you late model guys, I logged just over 140 miles for the trip on the little 79 TX and I feel like I got my money’s worth. It took a pretty good beating and still got me home every day. I couldn’t ask for more.

 

[dwz]

Thanks for all the pictures and UPdates Kelly!

 

[jedoyle]

Thanks for posting all the pic's & info. It looks like a nice turnout & good time was had by all.

 

[gary_in_neenah]

Thanks Kelly, great to see the old stuff and all the people with a common interest.​

As for getting lost/missing a turn off; I used to ride with a guy that was a pilot. He could fly you in to anywhere on earth, Moscow, Paris, Tokyo, etc. But get him out in the woods and he was the last guy you wanted to follow. Lost every time! Sometimes I wonder whatever happened to him....

 

[garageguy]

If no shovel in your backpack..were there spare parts or a strap in der??

 

[skiroule]

If no shovel in your backpack..were there spare parts or a strap in der??

All of the above, plus a good supply of elk sticks.

 

[rp7x]

hams?

 

[garageguy]

Nice!!!!

 

[hermie]

Personally never get tired of reading about the vintage and your projects skiroule. Thank you for sharing

 

[skiroule]

hams?

Maybe a couple in case of dehydration but for sure there will be one sitting on the dash at the end of the ride.